Newcastle’s own ‘mad mechanic’ takes his vehicle rebuilding skills to the max

Petrolheads from Newcastle and surrounds are revving their engines in anticipation.

These motoring enthusiasts are all geared up for the annual Autobarn Parts People Show Off Your Ride, which makes its pit stop at Blackrock Casino on August 3.

Organisers said this year;s show would top all previous events.

As excitement builds, the Newcastle Advertiser caught up with Johan du Plessis, an avid car fan with an intrinsic passion for all things ‘under the hood’.

Johan, who in his own words has been building cars ‘ever since he could walk’, said he was born with a passion for fast cars.

“I’ve been building cars with my dad from a young age.”

One of the first cars Johan worked on was a box-type E30 BMW 325i.

Since then, he restored a Ford Sierra in 2010, converting the engine to a mean five-litre V8 monster, before selling it and moving on to the next big project.

“The amount of time, money and effort I spend on rebuilding cars is priceless. The way I look after my cars is not the way the purchaser would.”

It was not a surprise Johan would choose being a diesel technician as his vocation. After completing his apprenticeship, he qualified in 2011 and quickly moved up the ranks to become a team leader, a position he currently holds.

His proudest project was a rebuild of a 1400 Nissan bakkie.

“Building engines has some science to it, but you have to have passion first. Most of the time it is trail and error, and many cuss words, to try and figure out the mechanics, but the end result is always worth it,” explained Johan.

Although heartbroken after selling his beloved ‘WTF 1400’, Johan found a new love in his wife, Su-Rita du Plessis.

The lovebirds tied the knot last year and Johan quickly involved her in his motoring shenanigans.

“Johan allows me to put my designs on the cars he rebuilds. It’s a win-win situation,” Su-Rita smiled.

Soon after their marriage, Johan purchased a Ford ST, and Su-Rita said driving in the car was an adrenaline rush.

“We were at a traffic light and another car pulled up next to us, all I heard Johan say was ‘hold on’,” she laughed. “It was an amazing feeling.”

According to Su-Rita, Johan is simply empty without his ‘big boy toys’ and he certainly felt the need to continuously work on project after project.

“My dream car to rebuild would be a E46 BMW 330i. I would definitely put a turbo in it,” he concluded with a mischievous smile.

ALSO READ: Car freaks and sound geeks show of their best rides – (Gallery)

The show:

“We have a big line-up of entertainment and we will be making use of both the tarred area [parking lot] and pool/grass area at the casino,” says Director of Team Supersonic, Terence Chetty.

What spectators can expect at the show:

Drifting, spinning, IASCA Car Sound Competition, mobile dyno, RC drift cars (high powered remote control drift cars), go-karts, Meguiars SA live car restoration demo, Speed and Sound Magazine live, Speed and Sound Magazine Hot Hatch Challenge and low limbo.
There will be food stalls, children’s entertainment, live bands and DJs, exhibitors and a beer garden. Gates open at 10am and the show starts at 1pm. For more information about the event, call 076 618 5476.

Competition time:

The organisers of the show will be offering a VIP experience for one lucky couple.
They will stand a chance to win a set of his and hers Speed and Sound Magazine limited edition race shirts, two tickets to the show, a ride in any one of the drift or spinning cars of their choice, two complimentary rides in the Swift Racing Go-Karts, and free parking for their vehicle to attend the show.
The total package price is valued at R2 000.
For competition details, visit www.newcastleadvertiser.co.za. Terms and conditions apply!

ALSO READ: Win a VIP experience to Show Off Your Ride

Contact us

WhatsApp: 082 874 5550

Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

Make sure you follow us for regular updates: